Indirect vision system and vehicle with vision system

Abstract

The disclosure relates to an indirect vision system (1) for a vehicle (2) comprising a towing vehicle (3) and an attachment (4), with a vision element (5), a support structure (6) wherein the support structure (6) forms a vehicle connection (7) of the vision system (1) and the vision element (5) is connected to the vehicle connection (7) via the support structure (6), and an adjustment unit (8) wherein the adjustment unit (8) comprises a vision element adjustment element (9) for adjusting the vision element (5) and / or a support structure adjustment element (10) for adjusting the support structure (6), wherein the vision system (1) is configured to automatically adjust the adjustment unit (8) depending on geometric dimensions (15) and / or a state (16) and / or a global position (17) of the attachment (4). The disclosure also relates to a vehicle (2) with the vision system (1).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an indirect vision system for a vehicle comprising a towing vehicle and an attachment, in particular for a commercial vehicle, preferably for an agricultural vehicle or construction machine or for a truck. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle comprising a towing vehicle and an attachment, in particular a commercial vehicle, preferably an agricultural vehicle or construction machine or a truck, with such a vision system.

[0002] Indirect vision systems for vehicles are already known in the art, by means of which a driver can view a specific area of ​​interest. Such vision systems typically comprise a viewing element and a support structure for attaching the viewing element to the vehicle. To enable the viewing of different areas of interest, known vision systems include an adjustment unit. This unit serves, in particular, to adjust the position / orientation of the viewing element as needed by changing the viewing element itself and / or by changing the support structure relative to the vehicle.

[0003] Particularly when used in a vehicle configuration with both a towing vehicle and an attachment, various situations arise that require significant adjustment of the viewing element and / or the support structure. These situations are primarily due to the fact that the attachment itself has large and highly variable geometric dimensions depending on its application. Especially with a multi-part adjustment unit, where both the support structure and the viewing element are adjustable to provide visibility of particularly wide or long vehicles, the necessary adjustment of the unit can be complex and time-consuming, which in turn can pose a safety risk during vehicle operation.

[0004] To assist the driver in adjusting indirect vision systems, automatic adjustment units are generally already known: For example, the so-called panning (swiveling) in camera systems is known from EP 3 168 083 B1, EP 3 501 897 B1 and EP 3 882 080 A1, in which a rotational movement of vehicle wheels is sensorially detected and, based on this, a section of the image displayed to a driver is selected so that a certain part of the vehicle is shown within the section of the image at any given time.

[0005] It is also known from the vehicle sector that the automatic adjustment of vision systems is such that, for example, when reversing, the vision system is adjusted by folding down side mirrors so that the driver can see the ground and curb area, or that the vision system displays a maneuvering view for the driver when reversing.

[0006] However, automatic adjustment units are not yet known, especially for certain areas of application where complex adjustment is required, particularly for the application described above, namely in the area of ​​vehicles with towing vehicle and attachment.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is therefore to avoid or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it aims to provide an indirect vision system that ensures optimal visibility for the driver at all times, without distracting the driver from controlling the vehicle, thereby ensuring safe operation of the vehicle and increasing the safety of all road users.

[0008] The problem underlying the present disclosure is solved by an indirect vision system with the features of claim 1 and by a vehicle with the features of the dependent claim.

[0009] Accordingly, the problem described in this disclosure is solved by an indirect vision system for a vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, preferably an agricultural vehicle, construction machine, or truck. The vehicle comprises a towing vehicle and an implement (drawn by the towing vehicle). The implement is understood to be, in particular, towed, i.e., not self-propelled, and detachable / interchangeable implements, such as trailers. An implement can be, for example, a working tool such as a plow, fertilizer spreader, rotary harrow, sprayer, etc. The implement can also be integrated into the towing vehicle or permanently connected to it. This means that the vehicle can also be a combination of towing vehicle and implement, i.e., a self-propelled working machine.A self-propelled agricultural machine could be, for example, a (beet) harvester, forage harvester, etc.

[0010] The vision system includes a vision element. The vision element can be, in particular, a mirror or an optical sensor unit.

[0011] The vision system has a support structure. The support structure forms a vehicle connection for the vision system. The vision element is connected to the vehicle connection via the support structure. The vision element can be connected to the support structure directly or indirectly. For example, the vision element can be attached to one end of the support structure and the vehicle connection can be formed at the other end of the support structure. The vision system can also have at least one vehicle connection and at least one connection for the vision element.

[0012] The vision system includes an adjustment unit. This unit comprises a support structure adjustment element for adjusting the support structure and / or a vision element adjustment element for adjusting the vision element. The support structure adjustment element is used, in particular, for physically adjusting the support structure. The vision element adjustment element is used, in particular, for physically and / or digitally adjusting the vision element. Physical adjustment is understood, in particular, as the opposite of digital adjustment. Physical adjustment preferably refers to mechanical, electromechanical, and / or electrical movement. Digital adjustment preferably refers to changing a readout area on an image sensor and / or (subsequently) shifting a displayed sub-area (cut out from the readout area).The viewing element can be connected to the supporting structure, in particular via the viewing element adjustment element. Adjusting this unit serves to position the viewing element relative to the vehicle connection and thus relative to a specific area of ​​interest or field of vision, especially the driver's field of vision.

[0013] According to the present disclosure, the vision system is configured to automatically adjust the adjustment unit depending on geometric dimensions and / or a state and / or a global position of the attachment, in particular a position determined by satellite. The global position can be, in particular, a GPS position. However, the global position can also be determined or set by other satellite-based (localization) systems, such as Galileo, GLONASS, or BeiDou.

[0014] The geometric (external) dimensions of the attachment refer in particular to its length and / or width and / or number of axles. These geometric dimensions can also be defined by an attachment type.

[0015] The term "state of the implement" refers specifically to an operating mode of the implement that directly affects its geometric (external) dimensions. This means that the implement has a greater width or length in one state than in a second. For example, the implement may have a device such as a spreader or a plow attachment that is coupled / extended / folded out / swinged out / lowered in the first state and uncoupled / retracted / folded in / swinged in / raised in the second state. The term "state" can also refer to the information that no implement is attached to the towing vehicle. Furthermore, the term "state of the implement" specifically refers to an operating mode of the implement that directly affects the position of a visible area of ​​interest within the implement's field of view.This means that in one state, a different area of ​​the implement should be visible for vehicle control than in a second state. For example, when turning the vehicle in the field, a different area of ​​the implement may be relevant than when the vehicle is operating.

[0016] The global position, or GPS position, of the implement refers specifically to whether the implement is located on public roads, paths, and squares—i.e., in road traffic—and therefore the vision system must meet specific legal requirements regarding a fixed field of view, or whether the implement is located on private property, particularly in a field, and the field of view can be adjusted more freely. The global position can be received by the vehicle and made available via a communication interface of the vision system.

[0017] Automatic adjustment refers specifically to adjustment without active interaction or manual triggering by a driver. This means that no manual activation (such as pressing a button) is required to initiate an adjustment (e.g., to a pre-programmed position). In other words, manual triggering is not the same as manual adjustment. The adjustment as described is initiated or triggered by a vehicle signal or control signal from the implement.

[0018] In other words, the vision system is designed to automatically trigger and execute adjustments to the adjustment unit based on the dimensions, situation, and / or position of the attachment. These adjustments adapt to the dimensions, changes in dimensions due to the situation, and / or changes in the area of ​​interest due to the position. This automated vision system adjustment increases safety when using the attachment and significantly reduces the driver's workload. In particular, it saves the driver time, eliminating the need to manually readjust the vision system for each situation.This reduces the safety risk that can arise, in particular, if the driver does not take enough time to adjust the vision system, but would not perform the adjustment with the necessary care under time pressure.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can be configured to adjust the adjustment unit from its current position to a predefined position in a single step. In other words, the vision system is configured to adjust the unit as a one-time event, without intermediate positions or over an extended period. This means that automatic adjustment does not refer to continuous tracking of a field of view, such as in so-called trailer panning (known, for example, from DE 10 2017 130 566 B4). The adjustment itself can be continuous or stepwise (depending on the design of the adjustment unit).

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can be configured to adjust the adjustment unit (only) during trailer operation, i.e., driving situations involving the implement. This means that automatic adjustment specifically excludes adjustments for (purely) route-related adaptations, such as when cornering or reversing. Adjustments involving the implement can also include changes in the driving situation, such as switching from (legally regulated) road traffic to private property without public access, particularly to field work, which involves a change in the implement and thus requires an adjustment of the driver's field of vision to provide the desired view. Alternatively, a different field of vision may be advantageous for the driver, for example, in field work, even without changing the implement.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can include a memory unit for storing predefined positions (or adjustment positions) of the adjustment unit. This means that (different) predefined positions are stored in the memory unit. A predefined position is understood to be, in particular, a target position of the adjustment unit, i.e., of the support structure adjustment element and / or the vision element adjustment element. This has the advantage that a specific / desired position can be accessed from the predefined positions of the adjustment unit using the memory unit, so that (especially for the attachment in question) unsuitable positions of the adjustment unit can be more easily avoided.

[0022] Preferably, the storage unit can be physically / spatially integrated directly into the vision system and / or be formed by physically / spatially external storage, such as vehicle storage or a storage cloud, to whose storage locations the vision system can access. This means that the storage unit can be vehicle-specific and / or vehicle-independent, particularly cloud-based. Vehicle-independent means that for one vehicle type, i.e., for one type of towing vehicle and / or implement, the data or storage locations can also be used for another vehicle, i.e., towing vehicle and / or implement, of the same type.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can have a communication interface for sending and / or receiving vehicle signals, which in particular contain information about the geometric dimensions and / or the status and / or the GPS position of the implement. The communication interface can be configured as a data interface, in particular as a bus interface such as a CAN bus interface and / or an ISOBUS interface, and / or as a network interface such as a LIN interface and / or an Ethernet interface, and / or as a GPS interface. The vehicle signal can be transmitted by the vehicle, i.e., the towing vehicle and / or the implement.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle signals (or some of the vehicle signals) can each be assigned to a predefined position (from the predefined positions) of the adjustment unit. This means that the vehicle signals correspond to one of the stored, predefined positions, or that a unique position of the adjustment unit is assigned to the vehicle signals. One or the same predefined position can be assigned to several vehicle signals, but one or the same vehicle signal cannot be assigned to multiple predefined positions.

[0025] Furthermore, the communication interface can be configured to assign the received vehicle signals to a memory location corresponding to the associated adjustment position and / or to instruct the stored adjustment position upon receiving vehicle signals. This means that the communication interface forms a processing unit or implements a certain processing logic. Thus, the communication interface is configured to execute the adjustment and to manage the memory locations, driver-configured settings, etc.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can be configured to adjust the adjustment unit to the predefined position associated with the vehicle signal, depending on the vehicle signal. In other words, the vehicle signal (automatically) triggers the adjustment unit to assume or be adjusted to the corresponding target position. This means that upon receiving the vehicle signal, the adjustment unit, depending on its current position, either changes its position accordingly or remains in its current position (which already corresponds to the target position). This means that the automatic adjustment only occurs if the current position of the adjustment unit does not correspond to the predefined position or target position.This is particularly important when vehicle signals are received continuously with a certain periodicity, rather than as a one-off event. However, a driver can override an automatic position adjustment. This means that a driver setting or readjusted values ​​take precedence.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle signal can contain information for driver identification. Driver identification can be achieved, for example, via a vehicle key in use, a set seat position, a selected driver profile, a measured driver weight, or via so-called drive monitoring. According to the preferred embodiment, the predefined positions of the adjustment unit can be stored in the memory unit, depending on the driver identification or driver profile. This means that the adjustment unit can (automatically) assume different predefined positions depending on which driver is operating the vehicle. This has the advantage that the personalized adjustment optimally adapts the vision system to the individual driver.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle signal can contain information about a vehicle type, in particular its geometric dimensions, and / or an implement type, in particular its geometric dimensions. According to the preferred embodiment, the predefined positions of the adjustment unit can be stored in the memory unit depending on the vehicle type and / or the implement type. This means that the adjustment unit can (automatically) assume different predefined positions depending on which vehicle or implement is being controlled. This has the advantage that the geometric dimensions of the vehicle or implement can be adequately taken into account. In particular, if the memory unit is designed to be vehicle-independent, the memory unit is preferably configured to store the predefined positions of the adjustment unit depending on the vehicle type or implement type.To save attachment type.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment, the predefined positions can be manually adjustable and / or readjusted or corrected, particularly via a human-machine interface. The human-machine interface can be designed, in particular, as a door control panel, a dashboard monitor or touchscreen, and / or buttons on the steering wheel. This means that setting a predefined position for the first time and / or correcting an already set predefined position can be done manually. The human-machine interface can be directly integrated with the communication interface. Alternatively, the input values ​​can be sent via the vehicle's communication network and received and / or processed by the communication interface.

[0030] According to the preferred embodiment, a manually set position can be saved as a predefined position in the memory unit. This means that the vision system is configured to save a current (previously manually set) position of the adjustment unit as an (additional) predefined position in the memory unit. In this way, further useful predefined positions can be stored.

[0031] According to the preferred embodiment, a manually adjusted position of a predefined position (from the predefined positions) can be stored as a corrected predefined position in the memory unit. This means that the vision system is configured to save a current (manually corrected / adjusted) position of the adjustment unit as the predefined position in the memory unit, or to replace the originally predefined position. Alternatively, the vision system can be configured to use a current (manually corrected / adjusted) position of the adjustment unit (only) temporarily and then discard it, or retain the originally predefined position. This allows the vision system to be customized to the individual needs of each driver.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, the support structure adjustment element can comprise a mechanical and / or mechatronic component designed to perform a linear translational movement and / or a pivoting movement. In particular, the support structure adjustment element can serve to increase and / or decrease the distance and / or adjust the angle of the viewing element relative to the vehicle mounting and thus to the vehicle's interior. According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanical and / or mechatronic component can be a telescopic rod. This allows for simple and suitable adjustment of the support structure.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment, the viewing element adjustment element can have a mechanical and / or mechatronic component designed to perform an adjustment movement, in particular a rotary or tilting movement, in three spatial directions. According to a preferred embodiment, the mechanical and / or mechatronic component can be a gearbox.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, the viewfinder adjustment element can include a digital component configured to change a scale and / or a size and / or to change or shift a section of an image area displayed (to the driver). The displayed image area can be part of a total detection or readout area, or the entire detection area.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can preferably be configured to display an adjustment made by the digital component as an overlay (or in a superimposed display with the displayed field of view) for the driver. The overlay can be implement-specific. This means that pictograms and / or distance lines and / or the position of an implement end and / or a maneuvering aid, such as a vehicle outline, can be displayed in the overlay. Particularly in the case of digital adjustment, this helps the driver to reorient themselves within the adjusted field of view or to adjust to the changed position of the adjustment unit.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can be a mirror system or a camera-monitor system, in particular a mirror replacement system according to UN / ECE R46. The mirror system can include a mirror glass as the viewing element. The camera-monitor system can include an optical sensor unit as the viewing element and a display unit.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the vision system can have a heating function for removing ice and / or water from the vision element or a cover covering the vision element. According to the preferred embodiment, the vision system can be configured to control the heating function depending on the vehicle signals.

[0038] Furthermore, the problem described in the present disclosure is solved by a vehicle comprising a towing vehicle and an attachment, in particular a commercial vehicle, preferably an agricultural vehicle or construction machine or a truck, with the described vision system.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle may have a light source for illuminating an area around the vehicle. According to the preferred embodiment, the vehicle may be configured to control the light source depending on the vehicle signals.

[0040] In other words, the present disclosure addresses the problem that, in the agricultural and construction machinery sector, machines attached to towing vehicles significantly widen the vehicle combination. Therefore, vision systems for vehicles in the agricultural and construction machinery sector feature an adjustment unit, for example, in the form of a telescopic rod, which goes beyond the vision system adjustment units known from passenger cars and can change the position of the entire vision system unit relative to the vehicle, moving it further outwards or inwards as needed. In addition to adjusting the vision system unit itself, it is necessary to be able to direct the view towards the driver to ensure the driver's visibility.Besides attaching different machines, there are various situations in the agricultural and construction machinery sector that require a readjustment of the vision system, such as switching between road and field operation, turning in the field and the associated headland management, using different implements with one tractor, or using different tractors with one implement. Brief description of the characters

[0041] Figs. 1 to 2 are schematic representations of an indirect vision system mounted on different vehicles, according to a first embodiment, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the indirect vision system mounted on a vehicle according to a second embodiment, Figs. 4 and 5 are enlarged schematic representations of the vision system from Figs. 1 and 2 or from Fig. 3 , Figs. 6a to 6care schematic representations of the functioning of a sight element adjustment element of the sight system, Figs. 7a to 7b are schematic representations of the functioning of a load-bearing adjustment element of the sight system, Figs. 8a to 8b demonstrate a constructive design of the vision system, Fig. 9 This is a schematic representation of a functional structure of the indirect vision system.

[0042] The following are examples of embodiments of the present disclosure based on the accompanying figures.

[0043] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows an indirect vision system 1 mounted on a vehicle 2. The vision system 1 can be located entirely outside the vehicle 2 or partially outside and partially inside the vehicle 2. Parts of the vision system 1 located inside the vehicle 2 can, for example, be a (in Fig. 1(not shown) display unit, a communication interface, a human-machine interface or a storage unit.

[0044] The in Fig. 1 The depicted vehicle 2 (here in the form of a construction or agricultural machine) has (only) a towing vehicle 3 and no attached implement 4. The vision system 1 is set such that an area of ​​interest (such as here a side, rear part of the vehicle or towing vehicle and, in particular, a surrounding area next to the side, rear part of the vehicle or towing vehicle) lies within a field of view S of the vision system 1.

[0045] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows the indirect vision system 1, which is mounted on vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 (here in the form of a construction or agricultural machine) has the towing vehicle 3 and an implement 4 (pulled by the towing vehicle 3). Vision system 1 is adjusted so that an area of ​​interest (such as a side, rear part of the vehicle or implement, and especially an area surrounding the side, rear part of the vehicle or implement) lies within the field of view S of vision system 1. It can be seen that vision system 1 is positioned opposite Fig. 1 is adjusted so that a driver can see past the attachment 4 to the side and not (only) the attachment 4 itself – due to its geometric dimensions – occupies a large part of the field of vision S (which would be the case with a setting from Fig. 1 That would be the case).

[0046] Fig. 3Figure 1 shows the indirect vision system 1, which is mounted on vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 (here in the form of a semi-trailer truck) comprises the towing vehicle 3 and the implement 4 (here in the form of a trailer) towed by the towing vehicle 3. Vision system 1 is adjusted so that an area of ​​interest (such as a side, rear section of the vehicle or trailer, and especially an area adjacent to the side, rear section of the vehicle or implement) lies within the field of view S of vision system 1. It can be seen that vision system 1 (compared to a setting of vision system 1 without implement 4, which is not shown) is adjusted so that the driver can see past the implement 4 to the side, and that the implement 4 itself—due to its geometric dimensions—does not occupy a large part of the field of view S.

[0047] This means that the vehicle 2 is specifically designed as a commercial vehicle, preferably an agricultural vehicle, construction machine, or truck. The term "implement 4" refers in particular to towed, i.e., not self-propelled, and interchangeable implements, such as trailers. However, the vehicle 2 comprising the towing vehicle 3 and the implement 4 can also be a combination of towing vehicle 3 and implement 4, such as a self-propelled work machine. An implement 4 can be, for example, a work tool such as a plow, fertilizer spreader, rotary harrow, sprayer, etc. A self-propelled work machine can be, for example, a (beet) harvester, forage harvester, etc.

[0048] Figs. 4 and 5Each figure shows an enlarged view of vision system 1. Vision system 1 comprises a vision element 5 and a support structure 6. The vision element 5 is connected to the vehicle 2 via the support structure 6. This means that the support structure 6 forms a vehicle connection 7.

[0049] The viewing system 1 has an adjustment unit 8. The adjustment unit 8 has a viewing element adjustment element 9 for adjusting the viewing element 5 and / or a support structure adjustment element 10 for adjusting the support structure 6. By adjusting the adjustment unit 8, the viewing field S of the viewing system 1 can be changed.

[0050] The viewing system 1 can be designed as a mirror system, wherein the mirror system has a mirror glass 11 as the viewing element 5 (cf. Fig. 4The mirror glass 11 is located within the driver's field of vision or is directly visible to the driver. In a mirror system, the field of vision S of the vision system 1 is displayed to the driver as a reflection of the field of vision or a reflected field of vision on the mirror glass 11. The reflected field of vision differs depending on the driver and their eye position / perspective.

[0051] The vision system 1 can be designed as a digital vision system, such as a camera-monitor system, in particular a mirror replacement system according to UN / ECE R46, wherein the camera-monitor system has an optical sensor unit 12 with an image sensor 13 as a vision element 5 (cf. Fig. 5Furthermore, the digital vision system includes a display unit 14, in particular a monitor, for displaying a detection area or a sub-area of ​​the detection area captured by the optical sensor unit 12 or the image sensor 13. The display unit 14 (and not the optical sensor unit 12) is located within the driver's field of vision or is (directly) visible to the driver. The display unit 14 is preferably arranged inside the vehicle 2. In a digital vision system, the field of view S of the vision system 1 is displayed to the driver as an image of the field of view S on the display unit 14. Regardless of the driver or the driver's eye position / perspective, the displayed field of view is (always) the same.

[0052] The vision element adjustment element 9 serves in particular to physically adjust the vision element 5 (in the case of the system being configured as a mirror system) and / or to digitally adjust the vision element 5 (in the case of the system being configured as a digital vision system). The vision element adjustment element 9 may include a mechanical or mechatronic component for performing an adjustment movement, in particular a rotational or tilting movement, in three spatial directions. The vision element adjustment element 9 may include a digital component, in particular in the form of a processing unit, for changing the scale and / or size and / or section of a field of view / image area displayed / imaged for the driver or on the display unit 14. The processing unit may include a processor.

[0053] During digital adjustment, either a partial area or a complete area of ​​the image sensor 13 can be read out. The read-out image sensor data contains raw data, which is processed (by a processing unit of the vision system 1) and is then available as processed image data. After readout, a specific section of the raw data and / or the processed image data can be extracted and displayed (by the display unit 14). This means that the extraction can occur at any point before, during, or after image processing. In particular, extraction can be performed before image processing to reduce the amount of data and / or the processing power required. Depending on which partial area of ​​the image sensor 13 is read out and / or which section of the raw data and / or the processed image data is extracted and possibly scaled or resized, the following applies:When the image is enlarged or reduced, the field of vision displayed for the driver changes.

[0054] In Fig. 6a The figure shows that adjusting the viewing element 5 involves pivoting the viewing element 5, thereby changing the field of view Svor set before the adjustment to a field of view Snach set after the adjustment. Accordingly, the driver's perspective (in the case of a mirror system) or the position of the image sensor (in the case of a digital vision system) changes, and therefore the field of view available to the driver—that is, the perceptible / visible, reflected, or projected field of view—changes.

[0055] In Fig. 6bThe illustration shows that adjusting the viewing element 5 involves cutting out a different section, thereby changing the field of view Sbefore set before the adjustment to a field of view Safter set after the adjustment. Accordingly, the depicted field of view available to the driver, i.e., the perceptible / visible area, changes.

[0056] In Fig. 6c The illustration shows that adjusting the viewing element 5 also changes the size and / or scaling of the cutout, thereby changing the field of view Sbefore set before the adjustment to a field of view Safter set after the adjustment. Accordingly, the depicted field of view available to the driver, i.e., the perceptible / visible area, changes.

[0057] The support structure adjustment element 10 serves in particular to physically adjust the support structure 6. The support structure adjustment element 10 can be a mechanical component for performing a linear translational movement (cf. Fig. 7a ) and / or exhibit a swiveling movement (see above). Fig. 7b In particular, the mechanical component can be a telescopic rod (see below). Figs. 8a and 8b By adjusting the support structure adjustment element 10, the field of view Svor set before the adjustment changes to a field of view Snach set after the adjustment. Accordingly, the perspective (in the case of a mirror system) or the position of the image sensor (in the case of a digital vision system) changes for the driver, and therefore the field of view available to the driver, i.e., the perceptible / visible, reflected or projected field of view.

[0058] According to the disclosure, the vision system 1 is configured to automatically adjust the adjustment unit 8 depending on geometric dimensions 15, in particular a length and / or a width and / or a number of axes, and / or a state 16 and / or a global position 17, in particular GPS position, of the attachment 4, in particular without manual triggering of the adjustment by a driver.

[0059] Furthermore, the vision system 1 can have a storage unit 18 for storing predefined positions of the adjustment unit 8 and a communication interface 19 for sending and / or receiving vehicle signals 20, which contain information about the geometric dimensions 15 and / or the state 16 and / or the global position 17 of the attachment 4 (see Fig. 9). The vehicle signals 20 are each assigned to a predefined position of the adjustment unit 8 and the sight system 1 is set up to adjust the adjustment unit 8 to the predefined position of the adjustment unit 8 assigned to the vehicle signal 20, depending on the vehicle signal 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the vision system 1 can include a control unit, processing unit, or logic unit. The control unit can also be integrated into the communication interface 19. The control unit can be installed on the vehicle side or on the vision system side.

[0061] Furthermore, the vehicle signal 20 can contain information relating to a driver identification 21. In particular, the predefined positions of the adjustment unit 8 can be stored in the memory unit 17 depending on the driver identification 21.

[0062] Furthermore, the vehicle signal 20 can contain information about a vehicle type 22 of the vehicle 2. In particular, the predefined positions of the adjustment unit 8 can be stored in the memory unit 18 depending on the vehicle type 22.

[0063] Furthermore, the vehicle signal 20 can contain information about an attachment type 23 of the vehicle 2. In particular, the predefined positions of the adjustment unit 8 can be stored in the memory unit 18 depending on the attachment type 23.

[0064] Furthermore, the predefined positions can be manually adjusted and / or readjusted, particularly via a human-machine interface. Additionally, a set position can be saved as a predefined position in memory unit 18, and / or a manually readjusted position of a predefined position can be saved as a corrected predefined position in memory unit 18. Reference symbol list

[0065] 1 Indirect vision system 2 Vehicle 3 Towing vehicle 4 Attachment 5 Vision element 6 Support structure 7 Vehicle connection 8 Adjustment unit 9 Vision element adjustment element 10 Support structure adjustment element 11 Mirror glass 12 Optical sensor unit 13 Image sensor 14 Display unit 15 Geometric dimensions of the attachment 16 Attachment status 17 Global position of the attachment 18 Storage unit 19 Communication interface 20 Vehicle signal 21 Driver identification 22 Vehicle type 23 Attachment type Field of view: S before an adjustment; field of view set; S after an adjustment; field of view set

Claims

1. Indirect vision system (1) for a vehicle (2) comprising a towing vehicle (3) and an attachment (4), in particular for a commercial vehicle, preferably for an agricultural vehicle or construction machine or for a truck, comprising a vision element (5), a support structure (6) wherein the support structure (6) forms a vehicle connection (7) of the vision system (1) and the vision element (5) is connected to the vehicle connection (7) via the support structure (6), an adjustment unit (8) wherein the adjustment unit (8) comprises a vision element adjustment element (9) for adjusting the vision element (5) and / or a support structure adjustment element (10) for adjusting the support structure (6), characterized by the fact thatthe vision system (1) is set up to automatically adjust the adjustment unit (8) depending on geometric dimensions (15), in particular a length and / or a width and / or a number of axes, and / or a state (16) and / or a global, in particular satellite-based determined position (17) of the attachment (4), in particular without manual triggering of the adjustment by a driver.

2. Vision system (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the vision system (1) is set up to adjust the adjustment unit (8) in one step from a current position to a predefined position and / or during attachment operations.

3. Vision system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatThe vision system comprises a storage unit (18) for storing predefined positions of the adjustment unit (8) and a communication interface (19) for sending and / or receiving vehicle signals (20) which contain information about the geometric dimensions (15) and / or the state (16) and / or the global position (17) of the attachment (4), wherein the vehicle signals (20) are each assigned to a predefined position of the adjustment unit (8) and the vision system (1) is configured to adjust the adjustment unit (8) to the predefined position of the adjustment unit assigned to the vehicle signal (20) depending on the vehicle signal (20).

4. Vision system (1) according to claim 3, characterized by the fact thatthe vehicle signal (20) contains information on a driver identification (21) of the vehicle and / or on a vehicle type (22) and / or on an attachment type (23) and / or the predefined positions of the adjustment unit (8) depending on the driver identification (21) and / or the vehicle type (22) and / or the attachment type (23) are stored in the storage unit (18).

5. Vision system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the fact that the predefined positions can be manually adjusted and / or readjusted, especially via a human-machine interface.

6. Vision system (1) according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that a set position can be saved as a predefined position in the memory unit (18) and / or a manually adjusted position of a predefined position can be saved as a corrected predefined position in the memory unit (18).

7. Vision system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact thatthe support structure adjustment element (10) has a mechanical and / or mechatronic component for performing a linear translational movement and / or a pivoting movement, wherein the mechanical and / or mechatronic component is preferably a telescopic rod, and / or the sight element adjustment element (9) has a mechanical and / or mechatronic component for performing an adjustment movement in three spatial directions.

8. Vision system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that The view element adjustment element (9) comprises a digital component for changing a scale and / or a size and / or a section of an image area displayed to the driver, wherein the view system (1) is preferably designed to display an adjustment made by the digital component as an overlay for the driver.

9. Vision system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact thatthe vision system (1) is a mirror system or a camera-monitor system, in particular a mirror replacement system according to UN / ECE R46, wherein the camera-monitor system comprises an optical sensor unit (12) as a vision element (5) and a display unit (14).

10. Vehicle (2) comprising a towing vehicle (3) and an attachment (4), in particular a commercial vehicle, preferably an agricultural vehicle or construction machine or truck, with a vision system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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